Good afternoon, Fastlaners.
I have recently started execution process to start a small online business to sell unique and proven imported dog and cat treats and dietary supplements from a certain foreign country (I live in US). They are quality and human grade items and I am certain they will bring value to the pet market.
I would highly appreciate any feedback or criticism on my plan:
The steps I have taken so far;
1. I have identified potential treats and dietary supplements I would like to import and sell. They will already come manufactured, so I do not have to do it.
2.I have identified a few potential suppliers/manufacturers. I have nearly secured one supplier that can provide me with 2 or 3 different treats/dietary supplements. I will need to find and secure more.
3. I have sent an inquiry email to FDA and USDA to find out what government regulations must be met for importing and selling the products in US. I will also call them after the holiday. This step may be most difficult to complete (Mr. Walter gave me a very valuable insight on it-thank you!!), but I must pass it to import to US.
4. Identified a reasonably priced agency to file an LLC and other papers with.
Does my concept meet CENTS/CENTS Commandments?
Need: There are so many dogs and cats in US. The market is huge. (https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx) unique, quality pet treats and dietary supplements will bring much value to the pet market in US.
Entry: Apparently you need to find a supplier and meet government requirements to import. Then you will need to build up your business, etc. There is a good barrier, I would say.
Control: I plan on selling on my own website (I will use wix.com), Ebay, Etsy, and maybe Amazon. I will try to supply to pet/grocery stores and other online sellers, such as chewy, PetSmart, etc. I will hire free-lancers on fiverr to professionally make banners for websites and other selling platforms.
Scale: Unfortunately, unlike a software, I will have to simply import more when sales go higher if market likes my values. But I would not have to manufacture them by myself.
Time: I will have to work hard to build up my own brand and business. I will need to "prove myself" before being able to supply to big grocery brands.
Short terms goals:
I do not want the business to be a cute little home made cookies seller. I want to do it properly and grow up my brand. I will first need to be cleared from the government that I can import the items I want. I hope their regulations put an end to my business idea. When the business launches, I will need to find ways to advertise and find stores that will buy my items, so I can increase sales amount.
It feels like there are so many barriers and problems to solve ahead of me. It gets me a little nervous as well, and I get no emotional support from my family either. My mom is urging me to find a second job waiting tables. But I know the rewards of success is unlimited.
Thank you.
I have recently started execution process to start a small online business to sell unique and proven imported dog and cat treats and dietary supplements from a certain foreign country (I live in US). They are quality and human grade items and I am certain they will bring value to the pet market.
I would highly appreciate any feedback or criticism on my plan:
The steps I have taken so far;
1. I have identified potential treats and dietary supplements I would like to import and sell. They will already come manufactured, so I do not have to do it.
2.I have identified a few potential suppliers/manufacturers. I have nearly secured one supplier that can provide me with 2 or 3 different treats/dietary supplements. I will need to find and secure more.
3. I have sent an inquiry email to FDA and USDA to find out what government regulations must be met for importing and selling the products in US. I will also call them after the holiday. This step may be most difficult to complete (Mr. Walter gave me a very valuable insight on it-thank you!!), but I must pass it to import to US.
4. Identified a reasonably priced agency to file an LLC and other papers with.
Does my concept meet CENTS/CENTS Commandments?
Need: There are so many dogs and cats in US. The market is huge. (https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-pet-ownership.aspx) unique, quality pet treats and dietary supplements will bring much value to the pet market in US.
Entry: Apparently you need to find a supplier and meet government requirements to import. Then you will need to build up your business, etc. There is a good barrier, I would say.
Control: I plan on selling on my own website (I will use wix.com), Ebay, Etsy, and maybe Amazon. I will try to supply to pet/grocery stores and other online sellers, such as chewy, PetSmart, etc. I will hire free-lancers on fiverr to professionally make banners for websites and other selling platforms.
Scale: Unfortunately, unlike a software, I will have to simply import more when sales go higher if market likes my values. But I would not have to manufacture them by myself.
Time: I will have to work hard to build up my own brand and business. I will need to "prove myself" before being able to supply to big grocery brands.
Short terms goals:
I do not want the business to be a cute little home made cookies seller. I want to do it properly and grow up my brand. I will first need to be cleared from the government that I can import the items I want. I hope their regulations put an end to my business idea. When the business launches, I will need to find ways to advertise and find stores that will buy my items, so I can increase sales amount.
It feels like there are so many barriers and problems to solve ahead of me. It gets me a little nervous as well, and I get no emotional support from my family either. My mom is urging me to find a second job waiting tables. But I know the rewards of success is unlimited.
Thank you.
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